Name: Amanda Ferrelle
Age: 29
Family: Husband Rice Ferrelle Jr.
Education: Vanderbilt 2001, BA in Communication; University of Georgia Law School, JD 2004
Admitted to the Bar: Oct. 29, 2004
Employed by: Bedell, Dittmar, DeVault, Pillans & Coxe
Practice:
Complex commercial litigation, legal malpractice defense, employment law, business torts and civil litigation
Organizations: • Jacksonville Bar Association, • Jacksonville Women Lawyers Association, • Judicial Reception planning committee, • Florida Bar, • Federal Bar Association
Community Involvement: Big Brothers/Big Sisters; matched with little sister Diamond Williams for four years.
What have you accomplished through community involvement?
Community involvement in general gives me perspective, which I think makes me more understanding and flexible in my personal and professional life. It also makes me feel like I have a stake in my community. Big Brothers Big Sisters in particular has given me the chance to have continued involvement in one child’s life. Like with all community service, I get as much or more out of my time with Diamond than she gets from me. She and her family have taught me a lot about dedication and sacrifice. When she gets good grades or gets an award at school, I am like a proud mama!
How did you get involved?
I called Big Brothers Big Sisters and got matched with Diamond. (Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Northeast Florida 727-9797. Volunteers are required to provide two references, participate in an in-person interview and have their background checked.)
Why did you get involved?
Working with kids has always been something that I think is important and it is so much fun! When I was clerking for Judge Schlesinger, I knew I had more free time as a clerk than I would have in private practice, so I decided I wanted to mentor. I liked the idea of really getting to focus on and know one child.
What have you learned through the experience?
I have learned how different the opportunities are that are given to different kids. I have learned that a strong, committed family is more important than how much money the parents make. It has also become increasingly apparent that I am old and that I no longer have any idea what is popular or cool.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
I just finished Eat, Pray, Love by Elizabeth Gilbert, which I loved. I am currently reading What is What about Darfur. It certainly isn’t light reading, but it’s great so far.
If you are a member of the Jacksonville Bar Association and would like to nominate an attorney that is active in their community submit nominations to [email protected]